University Police took a 25-year-old into custody Thursday night outside of Slee Hall, where hundreds were protesting conservative commentator Michael Knowles’ on-campus speech.
The protester, who is not affiliated with UB, was charged with harassment, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, according to university spokesperson John Della Contrada. The offender has been released with an appearance ticket.
A University Police officer was seen carrying the individual — who told onlookers their name was “Arise” — out of the crowd of protesters gathered around Slee Hall at around 6:45 p.m. The demonstrator asked the officer if they were under arrest; the officer initially said they were not.
The officer, flanked by three other law enforcement officials, put the individual down outside of Coventry Loop. The demonstrator then said they were “going back in” before trying to run around the officer.
At that point, the four officers grabbed the protester, pushed them against a nearby parked car, put them in handcuffs and placed them under arrest.
Two officers carried the demonstrator, their feet dragging on the asphalt, to the backseat of a police car.
A Spectrum editor at the scene observed the protester trying to climb a metal security barrier before their arrest.
UPD escorted two audience members out of Knowles’ speech in Slee Hall for “continuing to disrupt the speaker,” according to a UB statement. Neither was charged.
The police officers who made the arrest declined to comment.
The protestor could not immediately be reached for comment.
Grant Ashley is the managing editor and can be reached at grant.ashley@ubspectrum.com
Grant Ashley is the editor in chief of The Spectrum. He's also reported for NPR, WBFO, WIVB and The Buffalo News. He enjoys taking long bike rides, baking with his parents’ ingredients and recreating Bob Ross paintings in crayon. He can be found on the platform formerly known as Twitter at @Grantrashley.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
